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HISTORICAL SKETCH 



OF BEDFORD, N. H., 



BEING A DISCOURSE DEL,IVERED 



SABBATH AFTERNOON, JULY 4TH, 



i^Ui, 



IN THE PRESBYTERIAN MEETING HOUSE. 



BY THOMAS SAVAGE, 

Pastor of the Church. 



Published by Request. 



MANCHESTER, N. H. 

PRINTED BY EMERSON & MURRAY. 

1841. 



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Some of the matter delivered in the discourse has been thrown into the Appendix, 
in a smaller type j some small errors have been rectified and some slight additions 
made at the suggestion of one or two individuals. 

To tlie flock, among whom he has ministered, the whole is affectionately inscribed 
by their servant. THE AUTHOR 

Bedford, August 16, 1841, 



' (^(^i3? 



DISCOURSE. 



Psalms 78,5. 6.7. 

"For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he 
commanded oar f^lllers, that they should make them known to their children. 

That the f^encratioii to come might know them, rven the cliildreii which should be 
born, who should arise and declare them to their children. 

That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but 
keep his commaudmcnts.'' 

It is useftil at certain periods, to recal to remembrance the former 
times ; to review the early history of States, Towns and Communities 
and watch the various steps in their progress from infancy to manhood. 
Such recollections of the past, have a good moral influence on the 
generations present and to come. 

We learn in some degree, to appreciate the hardships of those who 
were as (he pioneers of society and who first made the sound of the axe 
to be heard in the forest. We are better prepared to estimate the ad- 
vantages we enjoy, and the responsibility that attends the possession of 
such advantages. 

We feel that we are connected, in an important sense with these who 
have lived in ages past, and with those who are yet to come, that an in- 
fluence must go down from generation to geheration and continue to 
flow onward to the end of time. 

More than a century has now transpired since the first settlement of 
some towns in our vicinity ; and it is exceedingly important, as time 
elapses and the aged are passing away,tliat we should endeavor to seize 
many things connected with our early history, which would otherwise 
bn consigned to oblivion. 

More than 100 years have elapsed since the first settlement of this 
town, since a conmiencement was made in the cultivation of this, then 
unbroken wilderness. The Indian once roamed these woods. The land 
we cultivate, the forests, the rivers, the mountains around us, once 
swarmed with a distinct race of the human family. 

It would be intoresling, if we could gather some information, relating to 
the aboriginal ailiabiuats of this part of the country, but on thisBubjectjWe 



have little means of information, and much is it to be regretted that there 
has been no historical account of the various tribes residing on Merrimac 
river. The Penacook iriDc of Indians inliabited what is now Concord, 
and the country for many miles above and below on Merrimac river ; and 
the Indians, the traces of whose settlement is still visible in this town on 
the blanks of the river, no doubt belonged to this tribe, who with other 
smaller tribes acknowledged subjection to Passaconaway,who was called 
the great Sachem of Penacook. 

They ranged the banks of the Merrimac in quest of fish and game, 
which then greatly abounded. The head of an arrow or fragment of a 
human skeleton is still occasionally thrown up in the sand or uncovered 
by the plough, the last traces of the red man, who hunted and fished on 
our waters. 

The first settlers suffered many anxieties and hardships from their un- 
civilized neighbors. 

As Bedford was for some time, one of the frontier towns, it was ex- 
posed to incursions of the Indians; but there is no recollection of more 
than one inhabitant of the town being killed by them. 

1745 James McQuade and John Burns went to Penacook, (Concord) 
to purchase corn for their families, and had proceeded on their rclirii 
homeward as far as Suncook, (Pembroke) when they were fired upon by 
a party of Indians who lay in ambush, awaiting their return. McQuade 
was shot dead, but Burns made his escape, by running in a zigzag direc- 
tion, which method bafiled the fire of his pursuers, and arrived in safety 
to his family. A 

THE ORIGIN OF THE TOWNSHIP IS AS FOLLOWS. 

1675 was the year of the first general Indian war. It was a war with 
the Narraganset Indians, and was known as Philip's %var. It was attend- 
ed with great distress and cruelties ; many towns in Mass. suffered ex- 
ceedingly ; but the enemy was at last scattered and Philip slain. 

Hutchinson in his history of Massachusetts thus relates the slaughter : 
"Philip fled from one swamp to another, divers times very narrowly es- 
caping — losing one chief r.onnsellor after another, his uncle and sister 
and at last his wife and son were taken prisoners. Being reduced to 
this miserable condition, he was killed Aug. 12, 1G76, as he was flying 
fromapursuingparty,out of a swamp, near his residence, Mt. Hope, now 
Bristol, R. I. One of his own men whom he had offended, and who had 
deserted to the English, shot him through the heart. Instead of the 
scalp, he c\il off his right hand, which had a remarkable scar, well known 
to the English, and which was cxiiibitcd as a curiosity. Many of tlie 
Indian chiefs were executed at Boston and Plymouth. The people 



were greatly exasperated. Every person in the two colonies, liaving 
lost a relative or near friend, but," adds the historian, "this does not 
excuse tlie cruelty." 

And here let it be said, with regard to these original tenants of the 
soil, that we have been accustomed to speak of their cruelties ; but let 
us remember also their wrongs, and as they fade away before the march 
of civilizQiion, let us endeavor to do justice to a much injured race. 

1732 the general Court of Massachusetts in consideration of the im- 
portant services of the officers and soldiers in that war, granted to them 
or their legal representatives, 7 townships of land as a reward. These 
were numbered, and it is curious to notice, that No. 1 was in Maine, 
now called Buxton ; No. 2 in Massachusetts, now called Westminster ; 
No. li was Amherst or Souhegan West ; No. 4 adjoined Hatfield Massa- 
chusetts '. No. 5 was Bedford, Souhegan East ; No. 6 was Templeton, 
Massachusetts ; No. 7 was Gorham, Maine. 

Since the Indian war, a considerable time had elapsed, more than 50 
years, and many of the officers and soldiers, who served in that expedi- 
tion were dead. 

Of 120 persons to whom these townships were granted, only 20 vete- 
rans were living in 1733. All the grantees or their representatives, 
assembled on Boston common, June (3, 1733; at which time they divided 
themselves into 7 distinct societies of 120 persons each, and entitled to 
one of these townships. From each society, 3 persons were chosen a 
committee who on 17th Oct., 1733, assigned the several townships 
among their respective societies. 

Of the individuals to whom this town was assigned 57 belonged to 
Boston, 15 to Roxbury, 7 to Dorchester, 2 to Milton, 5 to Braintree, 4 to 
Weymonih, 13 to Hingham, 4 to Dedham, 2 to Hull, 1 to Medfield, 5 to 
Scituate and 1 to Newport. Of the original proprietors whose book of 
records is preserved with the town books, very few became settlers, but 
disposed of their claims to those who became occupants of the soil. B. 

In the winter oi 1737, so far as we can ascertain, the first settlement 
was commenced by Robert Walker and James Walker, and in the year 
following by JohnGofFe,afterwards Col., Matthew Patten,after ward Judge 
of Probate, and Capt. Samuel Patten and soon after by many others 
They commenced their first labors near the bank of the Merrimac, on a 
piece of ground known as "Patten's field." 

With few exceptions the early inhabitants of this town, were from the 
north of Ireland or from the then infant settlement of Londonderry, to 
which they had recently emigrated. About the middle of fiiC 17th cen-» 
tury, their ancestors had emigrated from Argylcshuo, in the west of 



Scotland, to the Counties ol' Londonderry and Antrim in tlje north oi 
Ireland. They were warmly attached to tlie Presbyteriun doctrine and 
discipline, in which the church of Scotland was united, and for which 
tiiey were much indebted to the faithfulness of John Knox, the celebrat- 
ed Scotch reformer,who had introduced this form of church government, 
a century before, from Geneva. C. 

Adhering as the Scottish emigrants did to the Presbyterian cliurcli, 
tliey were expost-d to the persecutions in which the Protestants of Ire- 
land were involved, during tlie reign of Charles 1st and James 2d, until 
the period known as the British Revolution, when William ascended the 
throne. They then enjoyed more toleration ; but still as they dissented 
from the church of England, they were subject to many embarrassments 
and were obliged to support a minister of the established religion. They 
accordingly resolved to emigrate. Some arrived at Boston, some at 
Casco Bay, near Portland, which last were t!ic settlers of Londonderry. 
This took place early in 1719. 

Many towns in this vicinity were settled from this colony. Windham , 
Chester, Litchfield, Manchester, Bedford, GofTstown, New-Boston, An- 
trim, Peterborough and Acwortb, together with some towns in Massa- 
chusetts, Maine, N. Scotia and Vermont, derived from Londonderry, a 
considerable proportion of their first inhabitants. 

Many of their descendants, says Rev. Mr. Whiton, in his history of the 
State, "have risen to high respectability, among whom are numbered 
four Governors of N.H., one of tlie signers of tiie declaration of Inde- 
pendence, several distinguished officers in the revolutionary war, and in 
the last war with Great Britain, including Stark, lleid. Miller and Mc- 
Niel, a President of Bo wdoin College, some members of Congress and 
several distinguished ministers of the gospel." 

Gov. Everett in his life of Gen. Stark, thus notices the colony. "These 
emigrants were descended from the Scotch Presbyterians, who in the 
reign of James, were established in Ireland, but who professing with 
national tenacity, a religious belief, neither in accordance with the pop- 
ular faith in Ireland, nor with that ol its English masters, and disliking 
the institutions of tiilie and rent, determined to seek a settlement in 
America. The first party came uver iii 1718 and led the way in a set- 
tlement on Merrimac river. They were shortly succeeded by a large 
number of their countrymen, who brought wilii them the ait of weaving 
linen, and first introduced the culture of the potutoe in this part of 
America end furnished from their families a large number ol tlic pioneers 
of civilixatiou m N. Hampshire Vermont and Maine, and some of the 
most useful and diotinguished citizens of all tiiese Stales." 



This account will not be thought too great a digression, when we con- 
sider how large a proportion of the early inhabitants of the town were 
of Scottish origin. They are represented as being a, well principled 
people, frugal, hardy, industriouf?, a people that brought with them a 
sacred attachment to religious institutions, • And here it is interestinc- 
to notice the similarity between the pilgrims of Plymouth and the emi- 
grants from the north of Ireland, as respects the motives which led them 
to emigrate. It was no worldly ambition, it was no unhallowed thirst of 
gain that in either case, appears to have led these hardy men to leave 
the comforts and endearments of their native land and come to this 
western wilderness. It was, we may believe, in both cases, for the en- 
joyment of the rights of conscience and religious privileges that they 
came across the Atlantic and settled down in these fcre-sts. 

1750 the town which had been called Souhegan East or Narraganset, 
No. 5, was incorporated under its present name and within its present 
limits, its territory originally extending south to Souhegan river. I am 
indebted to that distinguished antiquarian the late John Farmer, Psq., 
for a copy of the petition, which follows : — 

"To his Excellency Benning VVentworth Esq., Governor and Com- 
mander in chief of his majesty's Province of New Hampshire, and to the 
Honorable his majesty's Council, assembled at Portsmouth, May 10, 1750. 
"The hwnble Pdition of the subscribers, inhabitants of Souhegan 

East, so called, Sheiveth,''^ 

"That your Petitioners are major part of said Souhegan, that your 
petitioners as to one particular persuasion in Christianity, are generally of 
the Presbyterian denomination ; that your petitioners through a variety, 
of causes, having been long destitute of the gospel, are now desirous of 
taking the proper steps in order to have it settled among us in that way 
of discipline which we judge to tend most to our edification ; that your 
petitioners not being incorporated by civil authority, are in no capacity 
to raise those sums of money which may be needful in order to our pro- 
ceeding in the above important affair. 

"May it therefore pleaso your Excellency and Honors, to take the case 
of your petitioners under consideration, and to incorporate us into a town 
or district, or in case any part of our inhabitants should be taken off by 
any neighboring district, to grant that those of our persuasion who are 
desirous of adhering to us may be excused from supporting any other 
parish charge, than where Ihey conscientiously adhere; we desiring the 
same liberty to those within our bounds, if any there be, and your peti- 
tioners shall ever pray &c." D. 

The first meeting under the charter was held 6th June, 1750, at 



8 

Matthew Patten's barn, in which Col. John Gofte presided as moderator. 

What led to the choice of Bedford as the name, is not certain. It 
has been suggested, witli probability, it might have been in compli- 
ment to the Duke of Bedford, who corresponded with Benning Went- 
worth) Esq. Governor of the Province, and who, as Governor, signed the 
charter of incorporation. 

As might be expected from a people of such an origin, they made 
early provision for the institution of the gospel ; as early as August, 1750, 
the town voted to give a call to Rev. Alexander Boyd to the work of the 
ministry and soon after, to Rev. Messrs. Alexander McDowell and Sam- 
uel McClintock ; but in each case, it appears, without success. 

As the privileges of religion cannot well be enjoyed without a con- 
venient place of worship, the first settlers early turned their attention to 
building a house for this purpose. In this undertaking there appears to 
have been some delay, as is apt to be the case, for iivant of agreement 
with regard to location ; and it was not until after several unsuccessful 
trials, that they agreed on the spot where the town-house now stands, 
the frame of which was raised Oct. 1755 ; but the house was not fully 
complsted, additions being made from time to time, until a number of 
years after. 

1757 Sept. 28th Rev. John Houston was ordained pastor of the church 
■which was organized in the Presbyterian order. It may be interesting 
at this distance of time, to mention the ministers that took part in his 
ordination, found recorded in an old private Journal. 

Rev. Mr. True of Hampstead offered the prayer. Rev. Mr. Parsons * 
of Newbury, preached from 1 Tim. 1. 11. "According to the glorious 
gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust." Rev. 
D. McGregor of Londonderry, gave the chaige, Rev. Mr. True gave the 
right hand of fellowship, and Rev. Mr. White of Gloucester, concluded 
by prayer. 

From the same source of information, it appears that Mr. Houston's 
text, the first Sabbath after ordination, was, "Fear not little flock, it is 
your father's good pleasure to give you the Kingdom;" a very appropri- 
ate one, when we consider, it must have been then a small church and 
congregation, in the midst of a wilderness. 

James Little, James Gilmoor, Benjamin Smith and William Moor 
constituted the first board of ciders. 

About this time, it appears from the town records, that sundry inhab- 
itants of Merrimac, probably from preference for the presbyterian form, 

* Father of late chief Justice Parsons of Massachusetts. 



9 

united for a number of years, with the inhabitants of this town in reli- 
gious privileges. 

Mr. Houston continued to fill the office of minister in the place, till 
1775. This, as is well known, was a time of great excitement and en- 
thusiasm throughout the whole country. This town partook largely of 
the patriotic feeling that prevailed, as appears from the large number of 
citizens, who from this place went to engage in the dangers and hard- 
ships of the revolutionary war. E. 

Their minister differed from the great body of the people in the view 
he took of public affairs, and on this account he ceased preaching this 
year, and 1778 the pastoral connexion was dissolved by act of presbytry. 

It is painful to remark, tiiat on account of his adherence to unpopular 
opinions, he was subjected to some unworthy treatment. Mr. Houston 
was educated at Princeton College N. J., where according to the cata- 
logue, he took his degree 1753, and studied divinity with Rev. David 
McGregor, the second minister of Londonderry. 

He was considered a sound orthodox divine, and a man of considera- 
ble native and acquired talent, but somewhat deficient as a public speaker. 

He was no doubt a conscientious good man. 

He was born it is said in Londonderry and died in this \own 1798 
aged 75. His grave-stone is seen in the old burying yard. F. 

For many years after this, it does not appear that there was much 
that was encouraging in the state of religion. 

There was a long period, during which, the town was destitute of a 
settled ministry. The people were supplied with preaching part of the 
year, but with a single exception, * not by any one individual for any 
length of time. 

As might be expected in such a state of thmgs, the ordinances were 
neglected, divisions came in and the interests of piety suffered a decline. 
It is a maxim, universally true, that if a people would enjoy the blessing 
of God and promote the best interests of themselves, and their children, 
it behoves them to sustain the regular institutions of religion. 

"During the long period of nearly 'dO years," says a native of the Hiwn 
an aged and respectable minister, | in a letter to me, "the people hired 
a great many candidates and preachers, from time to time ; but I do not 
remember that they ever gave one a call, to settle with them. In the 
mean time, the cause of religion ran very low, the church was dimin- 
ished and scattered, professors lived like other men, and it was scarcely 
known who they were, only when they came from time to time, to the 
communion table. As to spirituality in religion, it was scarcely to be 
* Rev. Mr. Pirkles from Wales, F,nf;laiid. 
t Rev. Joseph GofTe, IVIillhury, MassaclinscUs. 



10 

found; and here 1 would say witli deep emotion, tliQt 1 never knew a 
revival of religion in town, until of late years ; and though I hope 
some souls were born of God, yet they were few and far between." 

But the watchful providence of God surrounded the church through 
seasons of peril, and preserved it from the fate by which other churches 
in similar circumstances, have been overtaken. 

Sept. 5, 1804, Rev, David McGregor was ordained to the pastoral 
charge of the church and congregation in Bedford. The religious as- 
pect of things now began to change, sensibly for the better. The church 
as a body became more regular and consistent, affairs were conducted with 
a greater regard to system, additions were yearly made to their number, 
and the cause of piety and benevolence advanced with a steady progress. 

In April, 1825, the pastoral relation, subsisting between Mr. McGregor 
and the church, was by mutual consent dissolved by act of Presbytery 
Mr. McGregor received his education at Dartmouth College where he 
took his degree 1799. He studied divinity with Rev. Dr. Morrison. 

His ministry it is believed was greatly blessed. He has since resid- 
ed in Falmouth Maine, where he is engaged in the business of instruction. 

The present pastor was installed over the church and people July 5lh, 
1826 ; Rev. J. M. Whiton, preached on the occasion. 

The old meeting-house having been occupied for the worship of God, 
from generation to generation, for nearly 80 years, and having become 
unfit for usp, the house in which we now worship, was erected, and 
Dec. 25, 1832 was solemnly dedicated to the service of God. 

The church has shared with other churches in spiritual blessings ; and 
since the settlement of the present pastor, 272 have been added by 
profession. G. 

Comparing the present with former times, we observe those changes 
that in any place, will generally result from the lapse of time, and the 
progress of improvement. In regard to conveniences and advantages 
in many respects, the change is wonderfully great. 

Formerly it was often necessary to go a great distance to attend meeting 
on the sabbath. It was not uncommon for females to ride on horseback 
or sometimes go on foot, and that with a young child or two, to London- 
derry, to attend preaching on the Sabbath, and return the same evening. 

On communion occasions, they would go from New-Boston, and even 
as far as Antrim to Londonderry. These seasons were very interesting, 
occurring only twice a year, and occupying several days. Those from 
out of town would arrive on Saturday, and remain till Monday ; and thus 
an opportunity was afforded at once of renewing their social feelings, and 
strengthening their religious faith. II. 

In regard to common school education, the change is as striking as in 



11 

almost any thing that can be mentioned. As far back as 1754, we tinc; 
incur town records, the following vote in relation to schools, adopted in 
town meeting. "Voted to have tlic school kept this year, in the follow- 
ing manner ; beginning at the south westerly corner of the town, and to 
continue there one month, and then to be kept at the north easterly 
corner one month, and so alternately one month in each of the afore- 
mentioned places, in rotation as before mentioneti, until tiio whole 8 
months be completed." At the present time, there are 13 school houses, 
in each of which, on an average, school is kept, 4 or 5 months in the 
year ; thus offering the advantages of elementary instruction to all chil- 
dren, who are disposed to improve them. 

There is still however much room for improvement, and it is hoped a 
great impulse to tho cause of common school education will soon be given. 

One more change may be mentioned, which is far from being a change 
for the better, in the observance of the Sabbath. 

This subject evidently engaged more attention formerly, than now ; 
as would appear from the following article in the town-meeting war- 
rant for 1779. 

"As for some time past, the Sabbath has been greatly profaned, by 
persons travelling with burthens upon tliesame, when there is no neces- 
sity for it ; to see whether tiie town will not try to provide some remedy 
for the same, for the future." 

Among those who have been inhabitants of the town, there have been 
some men of considerable note. 

Col. John Goffe, one of the first settlers, and the first representative 
of the town, commanded a regiment m the second French war. He re- 
sided sometime in Manchester. He died 178G, aged 8G ; he was buried 
in the old grave-yard. Col. Goffe was a serious religious man. He 
was in the habit, when there was no preaching, of conducting religioud 
exercises at his house on the Sabbath. He sang and prayed, and read a 
discourse selected, to the editication of the audience. Some, who are 
now living, attended these meetings. 1. 

Hon. Matthew Patten was born iu Ireland, May Itnij, 1719. In 1738, 
came to this place, was second Judge of Probate in Hillsborough Coun- 
ty and the first, after tiic revolution. He represented this town and 
Amherst in 1776 and '77, was appointed Justice of the peace 1750, and 
was continued in that office, till his death, which occurred suddenly Aug. 
27, 1795. He was fatiier of David Patten Esq. a distinguished survQ.^or. 

In the possession of his daughters now living, there is a very curious 
manuscript journal of his, continued regularly through 40 or 50 years in 
a very legible hand. It i3 a very minute diary of whatever happened, 



12 

private or public, common domestic occurrences, state of the weather, 
preaching on the Sabbath &c. K. 

Hon, John Orr, was for many years, a useful citizen, both in public 
and private life. The following account is taken chiefly from "Farmer's 
and More's Collection's," 

"He was in the battle of Bennington undc^Gcn. Stark, and received a 
wound in the thigh, in the early part of the engagement. The ball en- 
tered just above the knee joint, and lodged in the bone, which was much 
fractured, and large pieces were afterwards extracted. In consequence 
of the wound, the knee joint became stiff and he was a cripple, the re- 
mainder of his life. 
As a man, a magistrate and a christian,but few have been more esteemed, 
or could be more deeply lamented. He possessed a strong discriminating 

mind, a sound judgment and retentive memory, which eminently fitted 
him to discharge the duties of the several stations which he filled," He 
died Jan. 1823, aged 75. The following inscription is upon his grave- 
stone. "As an officer of the church, distinguished for a discriminating 
judgment, and an uncommon decision, candor and meekness. 

He lived and died in an unshaken, practical adherence to the faith 
once delivered to the saints." 

Hon. Benjamin Orr, son of the preceding, was a distinguished mem- 
ber of the bar, in Maine, and at one time a mamber of Congress from that 
state. He died a few years since in Brunswick Me. Others might be 
mentioned of the living, and the dead, whose names reflect credit on 
their native town, and who would furnish materials lor interesting 
biographical notices. 

An unusually large number belonging to the town have enjoyed 
the advantages of collegiate education, and have filled the various learn- 
ed professions with credit and usefulness. L. 

The agricultural and general condition of the town has been prosper- 
ous, and the inhabitants distinguished for sobriety of manners. They 
have contributed to people the valley of the West, and a few years ago 
quite a colony went from this place to Rock River, Wisconsin, and set- 
tled in what is now called Beloit, 

As respects health, the town will rank well with other towns in the 
country, the average annual number of deaths, for the last 15 years, having 
been about 20, not a large proportion for a population of 15 or 1600. M. 

Some instances of longevity may be noticed. Mr. Benjamin Smith, 
one of the first elders, came with his wife, from the north of Ireland in 
1738, he then being 19 and she 21 years of age. They were mar- 
ried in Londonderry, soon after their arrival, after which, they came to 



13 

this town, where they lived together in a married state, 72 years. Mrs.- 
Sarah Cobiirn aged 90. She mentioned to the writer, that she remem- 
bered iiearing VVhitefield, in her younger days m Dracut. Her descen- 
dants are numerous by tlie name of French. Mrs. Margaret Aiken 
died at the age of 97, having been a professor of religion more than 70 
years, and had 12 children baptized in the old meeting-house. 

As we draw to a close, let a remark or two be indulged, on the duties 
devolving on us who live at this day ; what a responsibility is resting on 
the present generation. Privileges and institutions, the most important 
and sacred, have been transmitted down to us, from those who first came 
to these western shores. 

They venerated tlie Sabbath — they valued theinstitutioiis of religion. 
They provided for the worship of God, that the generations to come might 
know the statutes of the Lord. They laid the foundation of schools and 
seminaries of learning. They conterided for great principles of liberty, 
and we this day, enjoy great blessings, civil, literary and religious. But 
let us remember, it is depending 'under God on the faithfulness, of the pre- 
sent generation, whether they who shall be living, long after we shall be 
gathered to our fathers, shall be blessed with free institutions, the word 
and ordinances of the gospel, a generation to serve the Lord. 

The generations of former years, where are they ?, where are they, who 
once lived and moved and acted, in the places and on ground on which 
we tread ? They are all gathered to their fathers. As one generation 
has passed awa}', another has succeeded, and as we look forward to fu- 
ture years,where will those be who are engaged in the active walks of life ? 

Let the young remember their obligations ; on them, in a great degree, 

reposes the hope of corning years. Let them remember, it is religion, 

that is the glory of New-England, it is religion, that has made her what 

she is, that it is such scenes, as the poet of Scotland has so beautifully 

depicted, that is the glory of any land : 

"Tlicir clieerfu' supper clone — wi' serious face, 

■■'They round llie iiigle, form a circle wide, 

"Tlie sire turns o'or wi' patriarchal grace, 

'■The big ha' Bible, ance his father's pride, 

"His bonnet, rcv'reutly is laid aside, 

"His lyart hafl'ets, wearing thin an' bare, 

"Those strains tliat once did sweet in Zion glide, 

"He wales a portion withjudicious care, 

"And 'let us worship God' he says wi' solemn air, 

"Then kneeling down to Heaven's eternal King, 

"The saint, the father, and the husband prays.' . 

How imparative the obligations resting on us all. 

''For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, wliich he 
commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children. That 
the generations to come might know them, even the children which should be born, 
who should arise and declare them to their children. That they might set their hope 
in God. and not forget the works of God, hut keep hij commandments.'' 



APPENDIX. 



A. 1 1 is related that McQuadc's mother soon after let one of llie neighbors liave 
some beans, which were brought along in a bag, and a ragged bullet was found among 
them. 

B. The proprietors probably had some trouble on account of the famous Mason 
claim, or at least apprehended it, as I have met with a copy of an instrument con- 
firming their rights, from which the following is an extract. 

"Al ameeting of the proprietors of tiic lands purchased of John Tufton Mason Esq.. 
in the province of N. H.,hcld at Portsmouth, in said province Nov. 9, IT-IS; voted that 
the rights of the original proprietors of Souhegan East, otherwise called Narraganset 
No. 5, be and are hereby confirmed to them, according as the lots, have been already 
surveyed and laid out." 

C« Presbyterianism was designed in its principal features, to be opposed to episco- 
pacy, which gave to much power to the bishop, while Presbyterianism conferred upon 
the people, a larger share in the affairs of the church. Beside this, it was more simple 
and spiritual in its mode of worship. Between Presbyterianism and Evangelical Con- 
gregationalism, there is little or no difference, except in the form of government. Every 
Congregational church, as respects eclesiastical government, is a separate and indepen- 
dent body, while a Presbyterian church, is under the care and subject to the control ol' 
presbytery, which in its turn is subject to the synod, and that again to the general as- 
sembly'. The pastor and some elders, constitute what is called a session, for the transac- 
tion of all church affairs. 

D- The following are the names of the signers of the petition, and the certificate 
of commission. 



Samuel Miller, 
William Moor, 
John Kiddell, 
Thomas Vickere, 
Matthew Little, 
James Moor, 
John Tom, 
James Kennedy, 
Robert Gilmoor, 
Richard McAllister, 
James Walker, 
John Bell, 
John McLaughlin, Sen. 



Thomas Chandler, 
John MrDiiglo, 
Samuel Palteii, 
Alex. Wiilker, 
Gan Riddel! , 
Benjamin Smith, 
John McF.augiiliii. 
William Kennedy 
Fergus Kennedy, 
John Burns, 
Gerard Rowen, 
John McQuigp, 
Patrick Taggarl, 



"These are to certify, that we the above subscribers 
and Mr. Samuel Patten, to present this petition, in ord 
according to their instructions from u.s the subscriber 

Dated May 10th. 1750. 



John Goffe, 
John Orr, 
John Mooiehead, 
James Little, 
Robert Gilmoor, Sen 
David Thompson, 
James flIcKnight, 
Hugh Riddcll, 
Daniel iMoor, 
John Clark, 
Robert Walker, 
Matthew Patten, 

do commission John Gofle Esq., 
cr to obtain incorporation for us , 

JAMES LlTTLn;. Clerk 



15 

E. In llie Revolulionary war, tliis place funiislieUa large number of citizens, \viio 
united in opposingthe oppression of Great Britain, and in common withjthfir fellow cit- 
izens, were zealous, in sharing- the dangers and hardships to which they were exposed. 

Their zeal and patriotism were manifested by a ready compliance with the requisi 
lions of Congress, and the orders of the provincial convention. 

F. An incident illustrative of the spirit of that exciting period, was related to me 
by an old inhabitant, since dead. 

Kev. 3Ir. Emerson of Peppcrell, of strong revolutionary feelings, was passing ihrougli 
town and called to pass the night with Mr. Houston. Knowing probably what his 
sentiments were, and seeing that he made use of lea, at thai time an unpatriotic bever- 
age, declined sitting down at the same table, and had one provided in another room, 
and even then, as my infornianl added, declined uniting in a common blessing. 

G. In the year 1813, there was more than ordinary attention to religion, also in 
1831 . and at one or two subsequent periods. The stated Thursday pra^'er-meeting 
was commenced Oct. 11, 1827, and has continued uninterruptedly from that lime to 
the present. 

The following are the names of the elders, with the date of their election. The 
first board is mentioned in the discourse. 

178G Silas Dole, 1803 Phineas Aiken, 1817 Moody M. Stevens, 

" James Wallace, " William Moor, 1832 Thomas Atwood, 

" John Orr, 1817 Stephen Thurston, " Samuel McQueslen. 

1803 David McQuesten, " John French, " Daniel L. French, 

" John Craig, " John Orr Houston, 1836 Daniel Mack. 

•' John Houston, '• Richard Dole, 

1801', John Ilolbrook, bringing from the 3d Cong. Church in Cambridge, (now 
Firighton,) a certificate of his regular standing as deacon in that church, was added to 
the session. His death occurred very suddenly, Sabbath Dec. 12tli, 1833. Havitig 
attended meeting and listened to the exercises with great attention, and even found the 
last hymn, he died just as he left the house of God, a most solemn providence and 
loud call to the congregation. The text selected at his funeral was "Heb 11, 21. By 
faith Jacob, when he was a dying, * *? * * worshipped, leaning upon the top of 
his statr." 

H. The writer remembers 20 years ago, being present at a communion season in 
a Scotch settlement, in the State of Mississippi, which migiit have been similar to what 
they were in this country fiO years ago. 

I. He is said to have beca descended collaterally from Gofle,who was one of the Judg- 
es that condemned Ciiarles 1st. He was a Major Gen., under Cromwell, and on the 
death of the Protector, and restoration of Charles 2d, he fled to this country. Several 
of the Judges suflered dea''-', and he with another who came over vvilh him, was pur- 
sued, and a reward offered for them.. Rut the^' concealed themselves till the search 
was over. GotVe was concealed some years at Hadley. Wliile there, it is said a 
singular incident took place. In 1G75, the town of Hadlej-, was alarmed by Indians 
on the Sa))bath. in ihe lime of public worship, and the people were in the utmost con- 
fusion. While in this slate of disorder, suddenly a grave elderly stranger, of vener- 
able aspect appeared in the midst of them. In appearance and dress, he differed from 
the rest of the people. He immediately put a new face on things, he not only encourag- 
ed them to defend themselves, but put himself at their head, rallied, instmeted and led 
them on to encounter the enemy, who by this means were repulsed. When the danger 
was over, they looked round for their deliverer, who ha<l as suddenly disappeared. The 
people were left in consternation, utterly unable to account for this strange phenomenon. 
It appeared to them like some celestial visitant, and perhaps they were never able to 
exi)lain it. It is generally believed that this courageous stranger was Goffe, who had 
lived incognito, jn the house of the minister. 

K. One or two of the entries in this diary arc here given : — 

"1775. July 20th was the Continental Fast, and Mr. Cook preached with us in Bed- 
ford — he preached with us last Sabbath-day, which was the first preaching we have 
had, since we shut the meeting-house door against Mr. Houston." 

" 1780, May Kith, was a thunder shower in the morning and was followed by an un- 
common darkness. such as is not remembered — it was so dark, that one could not know 
a man but at a small distance, and we were obliged to keep a light in the ehimnej', to 
see to go about, and the night was so extraordinary dark, until 1 o'clock, that a per- 
son could not see his hand when held up, nor even a while sheet of paper. Day and 
night cloudy. Cause unknown. The works of the Lord are great and marvellous and 
past finding out, until he graciously pleases to reveal them."' 



16 



li. 25 of the natives of die town have passed llirougli a colleg-iate course. Tlie fol- 
lowing are the names with tlie College, and year of their graduation. 



Josepii Goffe, *:). C. 1791, 
John Vosc, 1). C. 1795, 

Benjamin Orr, D. C. 1798, 
tThomas Rand, B. U. 180i, 
Joseph Bell, D. C. 1807, 

John Walker, D. C. 1808, 
WilliamGordon, D. C. 1811. 
Witlliam Orr, D. C. 18 1 G, 
Adam Gordon, D. C. 1817. 
John Aiken, D. O. 1818, 

Isaac Orr, Y. O. 1818, 

Robert Riddle, Y. C. 1819, 



Robert Orr, Y. C. 1820, 

James T. McGaw, D. C. 1820, 
Isaac O. Barnes, M. C. 1320, 

Cornelius Walker, I). C. 18^:5, 
Silas Aiken, D. C. 1825, 

Adam Moor, D. C. 1822. 

Gilman Parker, D. C. 1824, 

David Aiken, D.C. 1830, 

Samuel Chandler, U. C. 1331.. 
John Chandler, D. C. 183ti. 

Peter T. Woodbury . D. C. 1839, 
Selvvyn B. Bowman, D. C. 1840. 



Freeman Riddle, Y. C. 1819, 

*D. C Dartmouth College, Y. C. Yale College, B. U. Brown University, M. C. 
Middlebury College, U. C. Union College Srhencctadj'. 

t Son of Rev. John Rand the first minister of Lyndeborough, u ho moved to this town 
and was a member of Harvard College, 1748. 

Rev. Daniel L. French of Nelson, and Rev. Cyrus W. Wallace of Manchester, wore 
natives of this town, and received their theological education at Gilmanlon, N. II. 

Three yoiuig gentlemen from this town, are now at College. 

M. 1741, the first male child was born, Silas Barron, son of Capt. Moses Barron. 

1745, the first framed house was built by Thomas Chandler, and the ^rst grain-mill 
and saw-mill, by Col John Goffe ; and by the 'year 1767, the population was 362 ; at 
the commencement of the revolutionary war 495, the vear of the peace, 762 ; framed 
houses 93, 1800, population 1 182 ; 1810,1296; 1820,'l375 ; 1830,1554; 1840,154.3. 

There are some objects of curiosity, worthy of note. In the western extremity of the 
town towards chestnut hills, there is a natural curiosity that deserves notice. It is a vast 
fissure or opening, in a mighty mass of rock, produced by some convulsion of nature. It is 
30 or 40 feet wide and more than 100 feet deep. At the bottom is a small pool of water, 
where in the hottest day, the warmth of the sun scarcely penetrates. There is observed 
in one part, an excavation in the rock bearing some resemblance to a pulpit, which has 
given name to the place. As I stood on the verge of this tremendous precipice, 1 \\ as 
filled with emotions of sublimity and grandeur ; and any one who should have leisure 
in a pleasant day, would find himself well paiil, if he has any love of romantic scenery. 
by a visit to this sublime object of nature. * 

A great undertaking is now in progress, a rail roa'l bridge across the Merrima<;, near 
Moor's Ferry, the granite for which, is obtained from a quarry, at the centre of the town. 



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